What can you expect from the month ahead? Saturn in Aquarius continues to keep it edgy. Venus in Aries, starting May 2 keeps emotions fired up, Mercury turns retrograde on the same day that Jupiter enters Aries, and a super full moon/total lunar eclipse in Scorpio strips away whatever has been in the way of seeing reality for what it is worth/that has prevented getting down to brass tacks. Mars in Aries, starting May 24, is good for a fresh energy and momentum top-up.
Mercury retrograde: May 10 – June 3 (starts at 4 Gemini, finishes at 26 Taurus):
Mercury begins a three-week retrograde cycle as of May 10. Mercury retrograde starts in Gemini, dips back into Taurus on May 22, and finishes on June 3. Giving you more time to process emotions and feel your way along, Mercury continues in Taurus to June 13.
By now you are likely to be well acquainted with Mercury retrograde advice. Stay flexible, keep alert, and double check everything. Expect to revisit, revise, or repair, don’t under-estimate hints, clues, or warning signals. Keep on watch for unexpected expenses, backtracks, or sidetracks.
Mercury reaches the midpoint of the retrograde cycle on May 21. This begins a next phase regarding negotiations, communications, connecting the dots, and for planning ahead. For the rest of May, Mercury is well aligned with Pluto (in trine aspect). Mercury/Pluto can set a productive backdrop for getting a better handle on what’s important/most worthy of your time, money, and heart.
Venus in Aries: May 2 to 28:
Venus transits Aries from May 2 to 28. Trust your instincts. Be a self starter, do it for yourself. Venus in Aries can spark fresh passion, initiative, and courage. Something or someone new could claim your attention. Even if short lived, it could be good while it lasts. For the month ahead Mercury and Venus are best used for trial runs, or for undertaking the short term, quick, immediate, or introductory. May 25, Venus squares Pluto. This transit sets a productive move ahead backdrop. If it’s meant to last, or to move to the next stage, you’ll have a better feel for it by then.
May 26, Venus enters Taurus. Hopefully you’ll feel you can make the most of the moment. The USA Memorial Day weekend is well set up in this regard. In fact, regarding pleasure, benefit, or profit, there’s a good run of stars from just before Canada’s Victoria Day weekend through the end of the month, and into the first few days of June.
Jupiter in Aries: May 10 – Oct 27 (retrograde cycle begins in Aries on July 28)
Jupiter spends approximately one year in a sign. It will make a complete revolution around your natal chart every 12 years. Jupiter was last in the sign of Aries in 2010/2011. What was firing up or increasing and expanding for you then? What new prospect or circumstance did you face? Jupiter will be enlarging the scope and revitalizing the same position in your natal chart that it did back then.
Jupiter in Aries adds fresh fuel to motivation and independence initiatives. If you aren’t where you want to be, Jupiter can increase restlessness, impatience, anger, and aggression. You could find yourself with a bigger battle to face (the fight can be with yourself, another, or circumstances.) On the other hand, Jupiter can light a fresh spark and/or enhance inspiration, courage, passion, and desire. Aim for early rise and shine. First is the best position to play. Be a leader not a follower. Put courage into action and take test drive on something or someone new (even the new you). Jupiter in Aries is built for speed. Expect to stay on the go. The world can hit a faster spin too. Carve out time for sports, fitness, or outdoor activities.
Mars in Aries: May 24 to July 4:
Since the middle of April, Mars in Pisces has stirred potential while keeping the guesswork and uncertainty going strong too. May 24 to July 4, Mars in Aries will light a fresh fire or few. May 28, Mars adds fresh fuel to Jupiter in Aries. Mars/Jupiter are a “take flight” influence. It’s a good weekend for a getaway, for sports or outdoor activities, for setting yourself free, or for launching something new. Together Mars/Jupiter infuse greater than average life-force into new ambitions, endeavours, and activities. Expect whatever is instigated to catch on like wildfire, to heat up quick and/or move fast.
Super Full Moon – Total Lunar Eclipse in Scorpio:
May 15 (or 16 depending on your time zone), delivers a total lunar eclipse in Scorpio (25:17 Scorpio). The moon reaches its closest proximity (perigee) to our earth 1.5 days later. The totality phase is 84.9 minutes long! You will feel the strongest effect of this high tide (also known as a king tide) eclipse if you have personal planets situated near the end of Taurus, Leo, Scorpio, or Aquarius. Note that Saturn in Aquarius and Uranus in Taurus are major players regarding all four eclipses of the year, (especially so regarding the two fall eclipses).
The total lunar eclipse could uncover or expose something of significance. It could be buried treasure or something that has been hanging around for too long in the recesses of awareness. It could be something empowering, uplifting, or jarring. It could completely change the course or the score. A total lunar eclipse in Scorpio is never lightweight. Circumstances could play out in some karmic, abrupt, or even life-altering way. You could experience a sudden breakthrough or be catapulted into something unexpected. It could be a new lifestyle or reality. Of course, the impact of an eclipse will depend on if it makes a direct contact to your chart (and how it does so.) Running along the Scorpio/Taurus axis, the eclipse can put the spotlight on survival matters, finances, trust issues, sex, roadblocks, and empowerment initiatives. Watch for headlines regarding geophysical activity and notable weather, or regarding mergers or take-over bids, power-plays, or scandals. Passages of notable individuals are typical of an eclipse. We can be surprised to hear of the passing of someone of significance (perhaps in the days prior to or following the eclipse.)
May 15: Super Full Moon/Total Lunar Eclipse, 9:13pm (25:17 Scorpio)
May 30: New moon, 4:30 am, 9:03 Gemini
May 2: Venus into Aries, 9:10 am
May 10: Mercury stations retrograde, 4:47 am
(4:51 Gemini; ends retrograde June 3, 1 am at 26:05 Taurus)
May 10: Jupiter enters Aries, 4:21 pm
May 15: Ceres into Cancer, 00:07 am
May 20: Sun into Gemini, 6:22 pm
May 24: Mars into Aries, 4:17 pm
May 24: Vesta into Pisces, 2:38 am
May 28: Venus into Taurus, 7:45 am
**All times listed are PDT, please check your local time
Dates to watch: May 1, 2, 4, 5, 7, 10 – 20, 22 -26, 29